Second Period, First Narrative, Chapters VI–VIII

Second Period, First Narrative, Chapters VI–VIII

Second Period, First Narrative, Chapters VI–VIII

Summary

Second Period, First Narrative, Chapter VI

Chapter VI consists of the reproductions of several letters between Miss Clack and Franklin Blake at the time Miss Clack is writing her narrative of the diamond. Miss Clack asks Franklin for permission to include extracts from several Christian books to expand upon the event of Lady Verinder's death. Franklin denies permission. Miss Clack inquires whether, in her last chapters, she may include information which she now knows, but did not know at the time. Franklin refuses her request as all the narratives must be limited to individual experience at the time. Miss Clack asks permission to reproduce this correspondence in her narrative, and Franklin grants permission, on the condition that there be no more letters between them. Miss Clack writes one more letter informing Franklin that he has not managed to insult her, as she—a Christian woman—is above insult.

Second Period, First Narrative, Chapter VII

A month has passed since Lady Verinder's death. In the meantime, Godfrey and Rachel's engagement has become known to members of the family. Godfrey's father is acting as caretaker for Rachel and has decided that she take up residence in Brighton, accompanied by his wife and Miss Clack.

Miss Clack meets up with Rachel and Mrs. Ablewhite in London as they prepare to move into Brighton. Rachel is cordial to Miss Clack, asking for forgiveness for her past harshness and asking Miss Clack for her friendship, in honor of Miss Clack's friendship with the late Lady Verinder. Miss Clack is inwardly unresponsive to this friendliness and outwardly tries to get Rachel to speak of her engagement to Godfrey, but Rachel mentions nothing. Miss Clack proceeds to Brighton and prepares the house with Christian servants and Christian books for Rachel's arrival on the weekend.

Rachel and Mrs. Ablewhite arrive, escorted by Mr. Bruff instead of Godfrey, who has remained in London because something has come up. In the afternoon, Mr. Bruff and Rachel take a walk together, and when they return, Rachel seems to have made a resolution. Rachel retires for the night and Mr. Bruff returns to London.

The next morning, Miss Clack enters Rachel's room and prods her for information of her conversation with Mr. Bruff. Rachel responds by saying, "I shall never marry Mr. Godfrey Ablewhite." Rachel dismisses Miss Clack. Miss Clack goes out for several hours and returns to find Godfrey in the house. Godfrey is warm and confiding towards Miss Clack. He expresses happiness to see her and no embarrassment about his harsh words of her in the drawing room at the Verinder's or his lack of attendance at charity group meetings. He explains that Rachel has broken their engagement and that he has submitted. He leads Miss Clack to a chair with his arm around her.

Second Period, First Narrative, Chapter VIII

Godfrey assures Miss Clack that he has no idea why he even proposed to Rachel to begin with, when his true happiness comes from his work with the charity women like herself. Miss Clack expresses the view that Godfrey's Christian humility has merely been tested, and now he has emerged into the light. Godfrey agrees, kissing her hands. Miss Clack swoons, then Samuel enters the room, and Godfrey is reminded of his train.